Richard Elton Davis, Jr., a longtime business owner and well-known community member, passed away after a medical emergency at the Ohio State Medical Center on Saturday, April 2nd, 2022. Dick, as he was known to his family and friends, was born at Holzer Hospital on October 9th, 1939, and lived most of his life in Oak Hill, Ohio. Dick was the youngest child and only son of the late Richard E. Davis, Sr. and Ada May (Evans) Davis.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Betty (Davis) Howell and Helen Janice (Davis) Davis. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of over 40 years, Crystal Evans Davis; his oldest sister, Lois Davis Kenna; as well as several nieces and nephews who loved and adored him; and lifelong best friend, Jimmy Sims.
Dick entered this world just a month and one day after the tragic death of his father and, as the stories go, he was the light that carried the family through the darkness. Dick was a light to all those who knew him. He had a heart of gold and would offer help to anyone who needed it. He loved his family and friends, and he cherished each and every one of them.
After graduating from Oak Hill High School, class of 1958, Dick attended college briefly before enlisting in the Army, which took him both abroad and throughout the United States. He spent many years living outside of Oak Hill but returned in the early 1970’s to join Oak Parts, Inc., which was a family business. Dick, like his father and grandfather before him, could not sit idle, so he became an independent long-haul trucker; all the while, Crystal supported him. In addition to being a trucker, Dick and Crystal owned and operated several local businesses for over 35 years until he retired in 2020. He was an active member of the Oak Hill community, and he supported many local organizations over the years. Dick led an abundant life of courage, compassion, and community. He was a member of the American Legion Post #261, was a Mason of Portland Lodge #366, and a member and former elder of the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2022, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill and again on Saturday, April 9th, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. with funeral services following at 12 p.m. with Rev. Fred Crabtree and Rev. Jon Hensler officiating. Burial will follow at C.M. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 51420, Staten Island, NY 10306. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com